Professor Roger Short FRS

Roger Short made key contributions to our understanding of the endocrinology and physiology of reproduction, especially of the comparative aspects of reproduction in mammals. Having developed methods for measuring progesterone and other steroidal sex hormones in blood and tissues, Roger investigated and defined hormonal changes associated with normal oestrus, pregnancy and parturition, and with certain endocrine disorders such as the Stein–Leventhal syndrome. He discovered 20-beta-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one in equine placental tissue and isolated 19-norandros-tenedione and 6-alpha-hydroxyoestradiol-17-beta from equine follicular fluid. He developed the new ‘two-cell type’ concept of ovarian function, based on the observation that the theca interna and granulosa cells of the Graafian follicle differ in their steroid biosynthetic potential. He made substantial contributions to the knowledge of the mechanism underlying sex determination, intersexuality and the endocrine control of sexual behaviour, both in domesticated and wild animals. His scientific achievements were recognised by medals from both the Zoological Society of London and the Society for Endocrinology.

Professor Roger Short FRS died on 6 August 2021.

Subject groups

  • Other

    Other interests

  • Anatomy, physiology and neurosciences

    Animal (especially mammalian) and human physiology and anatomy (non-clinical), Endocrinology and reproduction (non-clinical)

Professor Roger Short FRS
Elected 1974